In little communities across the country, we are more protected from the natural dangers of the world than we realize. The idea of survival of the fittest comes to my mind often as I think of getting ahead in my career and other typical stages one goes through in life. But when it comes to physical strength and endurance, I have never been truly tested. After my years as a brownie in the Girl Scouts and sitting around campfires in camp, my time in the great outdoors has been fairly limited (unless you count high school parties in the woods). I honestly can’t remember the last time I was in a tent.

I know I’m not alone in losing touch with nature in all its glory and danger. In this day and age, we are all so connected to everything except nature, it seems. And not that I am one to fall for the hype of the world ending at the end of this year, but you never know what can happen.

That’s why there are classes for people who are serious about getting back in touch with the outside world and protecting themselves from possible natural disasters. At the least, these classes can help one reconnect with their natural instincts and help build character.

When I watch my dog — a very domesticated animal — I see the survival instincts clear as day. You can domesticate an animal, but you can’t take the instinct out of an animal. He is going to chase squirrels, cats, birds, deer, possums. He’s going to track scents and listen to his environment. He is going to protect his family. I thank my dog for at the very least making me more aware of my surroundings. He has trained me to spot any possible dangers — be it a plastic bag moving in the street or a suspicious person, when I am with him, I am aware.

Awareness is probably the first step. But survival needs more than that. Survival takes heart, body, and soul. Survival takes strength. Survival takes knowledge and instinct. Survival takes action. Survival takes the desire to live and thrive.